How Recreational Therapists Can Take Advantage - 1076 Words

Yoga isn’t only beneficial to the body but also the mind. Recreational therapists can take advantage of this by applying yoga techniques to improve the mood and reduce feelings of irritability and apathy for individuals with Major Depressive Disorder. Moreover, the participants should have been previously diagnosed with MDD, which according to the DSM-V means they have shown five or more of the following symptoms during the same two weeks and represent a change from previous functioning. The symptoms related to MDD also stated in the DSM- V are: a depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day, a diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation, fatigue, feelings of†¦show more content†¦This is because the use of yoga as an exercise intervention will trigger the release of endorphins and serotonin, which are associated to positive mood and well-being (Broderick, 2015). It is said that there is a chemical im balance in individuals with MDD and the use of yoga increases levels of GABA neurotransmitters connected to the antidepressant effects (Kinser, 2012). Referrals The participants selected for this program should be women from 25-44 because that is the highest incidence of people with MDD (All About Self Help, 2015). Those that do not meet the initial criteria may also participate in the program if it is shown to improve others condition. The participants will be tested and those that fall on the moderate to severe side of the Hamilton rating scale will be selected. Individuals with a high suicide risk (according to the MINI suicidality scale), alcohol abuse, a physical impairment that may make yoga difficult, and surgery in the last month or near future are not eligible to participate in the program. Although, it is advised to use Yoga as a complementary treatment, participants selected will be requested to abstain from the use of antidepressants, in order to effectively see the effects of the intervention. Risk Management One of the biggest risks that this program plans to prevent is the risk of the participants attempting suicide or having suicidal thoughts. To prevent this event